Destinations | Blenheim
Falling in love with Blenheim
Yealands Classic Fighters Airshow, photo credit: Andreas Zeitler.
No matter what time of year you visit the Marlborough region, you’ll find glorious scenery, friendly locals, wonderful wineries and plenty to see and do. And this all applies just as much to Blenheim, as it does for the entire region. The great thing about Blenheim is that wherever you’re staying, great views are close by. Laced with lodges, baches, B&Bs and hotels, it’s easy to retreat whichever way suits you and your needs.
Fisher Windows Marlborough
• PLUMBING • ROOFING • DRAINLAYING • GAS SUPPLIER & FITTING K J Morgan Plumbing Ltd 11 Purkiss Street, PO Box 925, Blenheim 7240 T: 03 578 0060 E: info@morganplumbing.co.nz
www.morganplumbing.co.nz 38 | www.canterburytoday.co.nz
WINDOWS AND DOORS
Installation Services Free Measure & Quote • Windows • Doors • Conservatories • Dual Glaze - Double Glazing • Agents for Garador Doors 22 Bomford St, Blenheim Phone: 03 578 1436 Email: sales@fishermarl.co.nz www.fisherwindows.co.nz
In Blenheim you’ll find the five-star, luxury hotel, Chateau Marlborough. The hotel offers lush accommodation options ranging from studio hotel rooms to a two-bedroom, penthouse apartment. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy its close proximity to vineyards and cellar doors. Near Blenheim there are about nine wineries along a six-kilometer stretch, otherwise known as the Golden Mile. Types of wine you’ll find along the way include sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling and other varieties. When you collect stamps from five of the nine official Golden Mile stops, you’re automatically dubbed a Golden Mile champion and can collect your prize. However, it’s suggested that champions visit five stops maximum a day and visit all nine stops over a couple of days minimum. There are numerous bike hiring services available to bicyclists so they can drink in the views and explore the Golden Mile one cellar door at a time. One of Malborough's newly renovated hotels is the 14th Lane Urban Hotel. What’s interesting about this hotel is that it was originally a coal merchant. However, it was recently renovated, and it now exudes luxury. A nearby must-do is the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. The centre has both WWI and WWII aviation exhibitions with the WWI supplied by Sir Peter Jackson’s private collection and developed by Weta Workshop. Both exhibits tell stories of fighter pilots and the planes themselves. Personal items belonging to famous fighter pilots like the Red Baron bring the exhibits to life. Take to the skies and schedule a joy flight in either of the three iconic propeller planes available.
